LPH48: Franke James on Presuming Competence, Disability Rights, and Freeing Teresa

What if the biggest fight your family ever faced was simply proving that your sister with Down syndrome should have the life she wants? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, host Wendy Ernzen talks with Franke James about Down syndrome, disability advocacy, and how real disability rights can start at home. Frankie shares the powerful story of her sister Teresa, a joyful artist and author with Down syndrome, and how their family learned early to include her fully, build her strengths, and expect more from the world around her. You’ll hear what went wrong when her siblings tried to place Teresa in long-term care, even though Franke was willing to give her the life she wanted and deserved. Hear about how  Franke and her husband fought back using a capacity assessment, power of attorney, and supported decision making so Teresa could choose where and how she lives, the foundation of Franke’s award-winning book Freeing Teresa. Franke also gives us a sneak peek of the sequel Escape to Lotus Land, the next chapter in Teresa’s beautiful life. This conversation is for parents, siblings, and professionals in the IDD community who want hope, practical insight, and a reminder to presume competence.